Can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane?

If you have a trip coming up and are figuring out what to pack, you might wonder about electronics and other items that run on batteries. What about toothbrushes — can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane?

The short answer is yes. You can bring an electric toothbrush on an airplane in your luggage – and quip has plenty to choose from.

But the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has specific rules for battery-powered devices. Here's what to know.

TSA regulations for bringing an electric toothbrush on a plane

The TSA allows passengers to bring electric toothbrushes on airplanes in both checked and carry-on luggage. But the type of battery (and the type of powered toothbrush) matters. Keep scrolling for details.

Airline rules for electric toothbrush types and baggage options 

Can you bring an electric toothbrush on a plane in checked baggage? What about a carry-on suitcase or duffel bag? Here's how TSA and airline rules generally work.

Battery-powered vs. rechargeable electric toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes can be powered by replaceable batteries or a rechargeable battery. Knowing what kind you have can help you figure out whether you can bring your toothbrush on your trip and what bag to pack it in.

Carry-on vs. checked luggage

Electric toothbrushes – like Sonic and quip 360 Oscillating Toothbrush – that use replaceable alkaline batteries (what the TSA calls "dry batteries"), like AA or AAA, are always allowed on planes in checked or carry-on luggage.

Rechargeable toothbrushes are allowed in most cases, but they need to have the right type of battery when packed in checked luggage. Those with a lithium-ion battery or lithium metal battery will need to go in a carry-on bag.

But if yours has a rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery (which many modern electric toothbrushes do), this is considered a dry battery, and you can pack it in checked or hand luggage.

Avoiding issues at international airports

The rules for traveling internationally with small portable electronic devices, including powered toothbrushes, are generally the same as for domestic flights. However, specific guidelines and restrictions can vary by airline and airport, so check the website of your airline and your destination airport to see if there are any additional regulations.

Electronic toothbrushes can offer more thorough teeth cleaning, but if you're unsure, a manual toothbrush is always okay to pack.

Tips for traveling with an electric toothbrush

Here's what we recommend when traveling with a rechargeable toothbrush or one with replaceable batteries:

• Figure out what bag to pack it in. Decide where to pack your toothbrush based on what type of battery it has. Those with dry batteries (like AAA and nickel metal hydride) can go in checked or carry-on luggage. If your toothbrush has a lithium battery, it should go in your carry-on suitcase or personal item bag.

• Packing your electric toothbrush safely. You don't want your brush head to rub up against other items, but you don't want to seal it in plastic (especially if it's damp) and let bacteria grow, either. Your best bet is to place it in a toothbrush travel case with ventilation holes.

• Protecting your toothbrush from damage during travel. This is where a travel case comes in again. The hard shell can prevent the bristles from getting smashed or otherwise misshapen.

Traveling with toothpaste and other dental products

What about toothpaste and other oral hygiene products? Here's a rundown of TSA rules and guidelines for these items.

TSA guidelines for liquids and gels

For cabin luggage that goes through airport security, the TSA only allows passengers to bring liquids, gels, creams, and pastes in containers — or tubes, in this instance — no bigger than 3.4 ounces. So you can pack toothpaste in your carry-on bag as long as the tube is 3.4 ounces or less.

The liquids rule is just for what you carry with you on the plane. This means you can pack any size of toothpaste in your checked bag. 

Choosing travel-sized toothpaste and accessories

Of course, there's no reason to bring more toothpaste than you'll use on a trip. It depends on how long you'll be away, but in many cases, a mini tube will suffice. 

The same goes for mouthwash. It'll need to be in a bottle no larger than 3.4 ounces if you're packing it in a carry-on.

If you use a powered water flosser, the same packing rules for the battery would apply here. But this might not be necessary. Regular floss and floss dispensers take up much less space and get the job done.

Explore our travel-friendly dental care products

If you have a trip coming up, check out the travel-friendly toothbrushes and dental care products from quip. Our collection of electric toothbrushes includes rechargeable and battery-powered options, all of which come with a travel cover that doubles as a mirror mount.

We also carry travel toothpaste, handy refillable flossers, and on-the-go gum and mint dispensers.

Sources:

Transportation Security Administration (TSA). What Can I Bring? - Electronic Toothbrush.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA). What Can I Bring? - Batteries.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2024). PackSafe - Portable Electronic Devices Containing Batteries.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2016). Batteries Carried by Airline Passengers - Frequently Asked Questions.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA). What Can I Bring? - Toothpaste.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Security Screening - Liquids Rule.